Is it too soonto place chicks under broody?

[Bring]

I have two broody hens. One was sitting on four eggs for the last week. Today my sons got into the coop and removed the eggs and broke them. The chicks were growing. It was sad. I was wondering if I can slip some chicks under her instead of taking the chance that she would abandon the nest before the new eggs hatch. Is it too soon to do that? She's been broody for about two weeks now. The second hen has only been broody for about four days. Can they tell that they havnt been sitting long enough to hatch them?

 

[SkyWarrior]

I've read that as long as there is one egg, the chicken won't abandon the nest. Just keep at least one in there. Hens usually leave the eggs after a certain amount of time -- I can't remember exactly how long -- because they lose interest and the eggs are probably no good.

 

[Bring]

That's what I'm worried about. In afraid she will stop setting on the eggs because she's already been setting for a week 1/2 to 2 weeks.

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
You have an incubator?

 

[Bring]

yes but i've had no luck with hatching in it. I want to know if I can place chicks under her or if it's too soon.